Testimonials

When you’re considering plastic surgery, it often helps to hear from someone who’s already taken that first step. The real patient testimonials below reflect the level of care, skill, and attention that make Dr. Michael Ablavsky one of the top plastic surgeons in San Antonio, Texas.

If you would like to explore your plastic surgery options further, please request a consultation or call Ablavsky Plastic Surgery at (210) 942-6672.

Hey guys! I wanted to share my transformation journey with you. After losing a substantial amount of weight the excess skin was hard to look at in the mirror. Yes, I could hide the skin behind clothes but every shower, trip to the pool, shopping spree was tarnished by how uncomfortable I felt. I had taken the steps with weight loss to become a better healthier me and now I wanted to look as good as I felt.

Dr. Ablavsky came recommended to me by my gastric bypass doctor. Dr. Ablavsky was my first consult visit but upon leaving his office I knew he would be my plastic surgeon. It was clear Dr. Ablavsky wanted the very best for me and my success. We discussed what my goals for surgery were and he was confident in himself to hear my wishes and provide what he saw as my best options. Throughout, my surgical transformation Dr. Ablavsky has shown me how to not over judge myself. When I start pointing out my negative feelings, he swings back with positive feedback. Dr. Ablavsky loves his job, and it shows through is compassion and caring nature.He has always been available by phone to address my concerns or fears I had after surgery and before. He even met me at his office on a Saturday to drain some extra fluid I was holding after one of my procedures. Dr. Ablavsky has an eye for details and masterful hands that will leave you in AWE of your new confident self. Now is the time to invest in yourself and I promise if you decide to consult with Dr. Ablavsky you will pick him!

At your consult, there is no getting around it, you will stand vulnerably naked in front of a mirror, Dr. Ablavsky and his assistant. But oddly you will be at ease. There will be measurements and photos, discussions of procedure and what to expect. You will discuss incision location, pain level, after care, medicine and drains. And probably more that I am not remembering. Your final step once you decide on Dr. Ablavsky is to sit down with his office manager, Mari. She will go over the cost (payment plan if needed) and all the pertinent details and then you pick YOUR surgery date. Remember you are investing in your happiness and well-being!

About two weeks before your procedure you will do preoperative labs and ekg and meet with Dr. Ablavsky. The night before surgery you will start your antibiotics and depending on your procedure a blood thinner injection. Day of surgery you will take a prescribed pill and place a nausea patch behind your ear. And then off to the surgical center you go with all your anticipation, nerves and jitters. Once your checked in and prepped for surgery, Dr. Ablavsky will come into preop with his magical marker and start drawing all over your surgical area.Take photos in the mirror when he leaves you will appreciate looking at them later. Jump back on your bed and wheel off to surgery. Don’t look around the surgery room because then as you fall to sleep your last thought is how many people are seeing your naked body – haha. After surgery you wake up bandaged tight with wraps and drains. And then head home to rest. You will need someone to stay within ear shot for a few days and drive you to your appointments until off pain medication. The most difficult part of recovery for me was standing up from the toilet.

Things you will want/need for recovery:

• After care garments (provided)
• Medicine nearby 
• Lift Chair (you can rent but I got one on Amazon) 
• Blankets (you will be cold)
• Prepared high protein meals and lots of water
• Scar scream or tape for once stitches are out 
• Lymphatic massage appointment scheduled (not required but will make your feel better)
• Movies to watch or books to read 
• Patience to allow your body to heal. 

My procedures and my experiences:

Tummy tuck with muscle repair, breast reduction and lift – November 30, 2023.

First, holy cow, day one after surgery I looked amazing!  

I had my drains about 3 weeks, used a walker for about 10 days and was driving within two weeks. There was little pain around the breast or bikini line incision, but the stomach muscles were sore. Standing was difficult for a few days – you will rely heavily on your legs and arms some because you do not want to mess up your breast incisions. I slept in the lift chair the first week and on my back for about a month. The Faja was an adjustment to get use to but soon I loved wearing it. I am 18 months post op and some days the Faja still feels good to wear. Use your scar cream or tape – my incisions aren’t noticeable and take your Arnica for bruising.

Thighplasty – February 22, 2024 

I cried when I saw my legs the day after surgery, they were better than I ever imagined.  

I had drains 2-3 weeks and was driving within a week. You will wear your leg compression garment daily for a good month or longer because it speeds up recovery and feels good. You will use your arms for every movement from repositioning in the chair, getting up and down, etc. Yes, the incision looked scary but faded fast with scar cream. I was on the beach with confidence within six months and my family had to purposefully look to find my scars. For me the pain was easily tolerable and recovery easy. I went ziplining ten weeks post op.

Bra Line Back Lift – October 24, 2024

Easiest surgery and recovery of my three procedures. I did not have lots of back fat or excessive skin, but it was enough that I knew I would feel better about myself afterwards. I had drains about 10 days, driving within a week and slept on my back from day one. The only downside is you need assistance with the scar cream because you cannot get reach and scar tape doesn’t stay in place.

I believe I have come to the end of my story. I am a confident and a full of life person now! I am doing things I never thought I would do again after leaving my 20s.

I am happy to talk with anyone just let Dr. Ablavsky office know, and I will call you – promise!

H.B., Patient Review